A Leader Like Me: Building a Culture of Inclusivity

S5 E1 - Internal Communications: The Backbone of Inclusive Cultures

Welcome back, and thank you for joining us for a brand-new season of A Leader Like Me Podcast!
Season five brings a fresh approach—while we’ll still be joined by inspiring guests and industry leaders, this time, we’re focusing on stories closer to home.
This season, we’re highlighting voices from The Leader Like Me Collective—a powerful network of HR professionals, communication experts, and leaders committed to amplifying inclusive workplace cultures. 
In episode one, we reconnect, reflect on the journey so far, and dive into the impact of our global consultancy and community. If you're looking for actionable insights on inclusive leadership, workplace culture, and belonging, this season is for you.
🎧 Tune in and let’s continue driving change together.
Priya & Advita
 
 
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Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Order from
https://www.koganpage.com/
Discount Code ALLME20
The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 
Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:
https://aleaderlikeme.com/
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@aleaderlikeme.com
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

S5 Ep2 - A Journey of Resilience with Alexandra McAvoy

In this episode of A Leader Like Me, hosts Advita Patel and Priya Bates sit down with Alexandra McAvoy, a marketing and events professional, business owner, and digital assistant for A Leader Like Me. Alex shares her inspiring journey of resilience—navigating job loss, single parenthood, and entrepreneurship—while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What’s Inside This Episode?
Alex’s personal journey as a single mother raising a dual-heritage daughter
The role of inclusive cultures in fostering equity and belonging
Why internal communications is crucial for shaping workplace inclusion
The power of representation and instilling confidence in underrepresented voices
How to challenge biases and ensure diversity and inclusion is more than just a buzzword
Key Takeaways:
The importance of exposing children to all aspects of their heritage and identity
How workplaces can create safe spaces for authentic conversations around diversity
Why inclusive leadership starts with active listening and amplifying unheard voices
Practical advice on identifying reliable sources in DEI and internal communications
🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!If you’re a leader looking to drive real change or someone passionate about building inclusive workplaces, hit subscribe and join us for more insightful conversations!
📣 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!What resonated with you in this episode? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn and Instagram 
Until next time, keep leading with purpose, inclusion, and authenticity!
 
Priya and Advita. 
______________
Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Order from
https://www.koganpage.com/
Discount Code ALLME20
The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 
Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:
https://aleaderlikeme.com/
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@aleaderlikeme.com
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

S4E8: Building a Culture of Inclusivity with Christelle Beneteau

In this episode, Priya and Advita are joined by Christelle Beneteau, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Christelle leads all aspects of Ferrings Human Capital Strategy, Corporate Communications and sponsors the ED&I Strategy, she also serves on Ferring's Executive Committee.  
Before that she held similar positions with a number of major global companies such as Ebay, Novartis and Implenia, and is trained as a biochemist at the Ecole Supérieure de Chimie in Lille, France, and also holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
Christelle speaks passionately about inclusion and why this plays such an important part of life at Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 
______________
Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Order from
https://www.koganpage.com/
Discount Code ALLME20
The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 
 
Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:
 
https://aleaderlikeme.com/
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@aleaderlikeme.com
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

S4E7 Building a culture of inclusivity with Katherine Power and Tony Tenicela

In today's episode were interviewing Katherine Power and Tony Tenicela from Sodexo. Katherine is Vice President of Communications in North America. She is recognised for driving innovation, Inclusion and delivering superior communications results. A regular speaker at national and international conferences on Diversity and Inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility and Leadership. Tony Tenicela is the Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion officer, he is responsible for leading DEI Initiatives that help to foster an inclusive workplace culture and ensures that Sodexo attracts, recruits and develops a high performing workforce in the communities in which they serve. Tony was named one of the top 50 LGBT Executives by the Telegraph in the UK, and listed as one of the top 50 LGBTQ Legacy Leaders by Business Equality Magazine. ___
Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Order from
https://www.koganpage.com/
Discount Code ALLME20
The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 
 
Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:
 
https://aleaderlikeme.com/
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@aleaderlikeme.com
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

S4 EP6: How important is equity in the workplace

In this special bonus episode, Priya Bates and Advita Patel, co-founders of 'A Leader Like Me,' discuss the Society for Human Resources Management's (SHRM) decision to remove Equity from their terminology. 
SHRM, a career development membership based in America, equips today’s HR professionals with the knowledge, resources, skills, and support to make a true, lasting impact—creating a world of work that works for all.
Advita and Priya also discuss the political landscape in the USA following President Biden stepping down from the candidate race and naming Kamala Harris as his nominee. The hosts discuss the challenges Black women and women of color may need to watch out for if Kamala succeeds in being named the leader for the Democrats. 
The end the podcast with some of their favorite moments from the season so far. 
Resources mentioned in the episode
SHRM website: https://www.shrm.org/home 
Lily Zheng's post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lilyzheng308_equity-activity-7220125682893254656-gc-X?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

S4 Ep5 Building a Culture of Inclusivity With Dr Cornell Verdeja-Woodson

Building a Culture of Inclusivity With Dr Cornell Verdeja-Woodson
 
In this episode Priya Bates and Advita Patel, co-founders of 'A Leader Like Me', are joined by Dr Cornell Verdeja-Woodson, Founder and CEO of boutique consulting firm, Brave Trainings. Dr Cornell has been leading the conversation in DEIB for over a decade, helping senior leaders and organisations use data to improve their DEIB efforts and through His LGBTQIA+ training which is used in multiple organisations across countless sectors. 
 
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 
If you’d like to connect with Dr Cornell, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornellw/ 

S4:EP4 Building inclusion in everyday moments at PepsiCo with Merima Baralić

In this episode of the podcast "A Leader Like Me," the hosts, Priya Bates and Advita Patel, interview Merima Baralić, the Director of Communications for PepsiCo Europe.
Merima discusses her personal background and experiences growing up in different countries, as well as her passion for storytelling and its connection to inclusive communication.
She emphasizes the power of communication and storytelling in mobilizing people, igniting emotions, and shifting perspectives.
 
Advita and Priya also discuss the role of communication professionals in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and Merima shares her tips for communicating inclusively to diverse audiences.
Merima also discusses the culture of inclusivity at PepsiCo and the role of leaders in driving change and creating a safe space for voicing opinions.
She believes that DEI is not dying but rather flourishing, and that organizations need to prioritize people and create a sense of belonging to succeed.
 
The episode concludes with Merima encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and approach communication from an audience-centric perspective.
 
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 
 
If you’d like to connect with Merima you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merimabaralic?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

S4 EP3: Building a Culture of Diversity with Samantha Thomas-Berry

Creating an environment that empowers authenticity: Insights from Samantha Thomas Berry.
Join Priya Bates and Advita Patel, co-founders of 'A Leader Like Me', for another incredible discussion with special guest Samantha Thomas-Berry, VP of Global Talent and Chief Diversity Officer at Kellanova. – A pragmatic and authentic Human Resources leader with over 25 years experience across a range of industries including telecoms and aerospace. She is a strategic business partner delivering commercial success and her coaching approach to leadership ensures she gives the best of herself to, and gets the same in return from, those she is surrounded by.
Featuring personal stories and expert advice, this episode covers the incredible work that Sam is doing to build inclusive cultures across all areas of the global organisation.
If you are passionate about fostering inclusivity, diversity, and belonging in your workplace, this episode will provide all the necessary insights and inspiration.
You can follow Samantha on Linkedin where she'd love to connect and hear from you.
 
If you want to transform your culture and build greater inclusion in your workplace, get in touch and let's have a chat on how we can support you: info@aleaderlikeme.com. 
You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with the latest news.